Hanoi: Michelin Guide Food Tour with Old Quarter Walk

Taking a culinary walk through Hanoi’s bustling streets is a fantastic way to experience the city’s soul. This tour, highly rated at 4.9 out of 5 from nine reviews, promises an authentic taste of Hanoi’s best-loved dishes, guided by knowledgeable locals who love sharing their city’s secrets. It’s a carefully curated experience that combines delicious food, cultural insights, and vibrant street scenes—all for just $23 per person.

What we love about this tour is how it balances quality and authenticity. The dishes are Michelin Guide recommended, meaning you’re sampling the best, rather than just the most convenient. The guides, especially Thomas and Li, earn special praise for their friendliness, storytelling, and depth of knowledge. Plus, the options to continue with dessert, egg coffee, or train street add a layer of personalized adventure. The only potential downside? The tour involves a fair amount of walking and is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, given the focus on pork, shrimp, and chicken dishes. It’s perfect for food lovers, history buffs, or anyone curious about local Hanoi life.

Key Points

• Authentic Food Sampling: Tasting dishes like dried pho, banh xeo, and bun cha at local eateries.
• Cultural Insights: Guides share stories that deepen your understanding of Hanoi’s cuisine and neighborhoods.
• Flexible Endings: Options to enjoy desserts and egg coffee or see Train Street, making the tour customizable.
• Vibrant Old Quarter: Navigating lively streets filled with motorcycles, street vendors, and historic charm.
• Value for Money: At $23, the tour offers a chance to sample high-quality, Michelin-recognized food in a traditional setting.
• Inclusive Experiences: Includes a guide, food tastings, and a bottle of water, with optional extras like desserts or train street visits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Hanoi’s Flavors

This tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Hanoi’s culinary scene, all within the lively maze of the Old Quarter. As you set off, your guide will lead you through narrow, bustling streets where motorbikes whiz past and street vendors call out. It’s a sensory overload—in the best way. You’ll feel the heartbeat of Hanoi as you start with dried pho, a slightly different take on the classic noodle soup, served with chicken. The reviews consistently mention how delicious and well-explained the dishes are, with Eric noting, “The food was delicious and our guide explained everything perfectly.”

The Dried Pho Experience

The first stop, where you taste dried pho, sets the tone for the tour. It’s a unique twist on the beloved noodle dish, with the added twist of chicken, which makes it stand out. The guide’s detailed explanations help you appreciate the subtle flavors, textures, and the story behind this dish’s popularity in Hanoi. Many reviewers, such as Kerry, mention how knowledgeable guides like Thomas make the experience both tasty and educational.

Banh Xeo and Bun Cha

Next, the group heads to a spot famous for banh xeo, a crispy Vietnamese pancake with a Western South Vietnam influence. The dish offers a wonderful contrast of crispy crepe, fresh herbs, and savory filling, leaving you with a satisfying crunch. It’s a favorite among locals, and the guide often shares tidbits about regional differences in Vietnamese cuisine. Following this, a visit to a 60-year-old restaurant to try bun cha—grilled pork with rice noodles—gives you a taste of Hanoi’s traditional flavors. According to the reviews, the bun cha is “authentic and flavorful,” with Li’s storytelling adding an extra layer of appreciation.

The Old Quarter Walk

Walking through Hanoi’s Old Quarter offers more than just food; it’s an immersion into daily life. The streets are vibrant, filled with motorbikes, street vendors, and historic shops. As you stroll, your guide shares insights into local customs and history, making the experience enriching on multiple levels. Reviewers like Ann and Pierre-Olivier highlight how guides like Li and Thomas not only teach about the dishes but also about Hanoi’s neighborhoods and culture.

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Customizable Endings for the Tour

One of the tour’s strengths is its flexibility. After the main food stops, you have three options to tailor your experience:

Option 1: Self-guided Exploration

Stop at the end of the tour to continue exploring Hanoi at your leisure. This suits those who want to keep an open schedule or revisit favorite spots.

Option 2 and 4: Sweet Tooth Delight

Choose to indulge in local desserts and egg coffee at a nearly 40-year-old coffee shop. This is perfect for those craving a sweet finish and wishing to experience Vietnam’s famous coffee culture. Multiple reviews mention how the egg coffee is a must-try and a highlight of their visit.

Option 3 and 5: Train Street and More

For a dash of thrill, visitors can head to Train Street to watch the train pass by right above the street—a truly unforgettable sight. Many travelers, including Eric and Kerry, praise the train street experience as a memorable part of their Hanoi trip.

What’s Included & Not

The tour includes a professional guide, food tastings (dried pho, banh xeo, bun cha), and a bottle of water. Extras like additional drinks or desserts are available if you opt for the sweet ending, while the train street visit or dessert options add excitement and local flavor. Not included are transport to and from the meeting point, extra drinks, or additional food not listed.

Practical Details & Tips

The tour kicks off with a flexible meeting point, which may vary depending on your chosen option. It involves walking around the Old Quarter, so comfortable shoes are a must. The experience isn’t suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or people with mobility issues, given the nature of the food and walking involved.

Booking is easy with a “reserve and pay later” option, giving you flexibility in planning. Cancellation is straightforward—up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you want a deep dive into Hanoi’s food scene, this tour offers excellent value for just $23, especially considering the Michelin Guide recognition.

What Reviewers Say

Guests consistently praise the guides, particularly Thomas and Li, for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and storytelling. Eric highlights how the guide explained everything “perfectly,” while Karen describes Thomas as “fantastic” and “fun,” sharing stories that made the experience more meaningful. Kerry notes that Thomas’s knowledge about the dishes and Hanoi’s culture enriched the experience, and Ann mentions how Li’s energy made her feel connected to the neighborhood.

Many reviewers emphasize the quality and authenticity of the food. Several mention that the dishes were “delicious,” “authentic,” and well worth the price, especially for those interested in Michelin-recognized eateries. The train street visit is often singled out as a highlight, offering a unique blend of thrill and local charm.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re a food lover, this tour offers an affordable way to taste Hanoi’s most celebrated dishes with expert guides. The focus on authentic, Michelin-rated eateries ensures you’re sampling the best without the guesswork. The walking component allows you to soak in the lively atmosphere of the Old Quarter, making it a full sensory experience.

For those interested in cultural stories and local life, the guides’ storytelling adds depth to the tasting experience. The flexible options at the end—dessert, egg coffee, or train street—help customize your adventure, making this suitable for a variety of preferences. However, if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, or require wheelchair accessibility, this tour might not be the best fit.

This tour offers an excellent blend of food, culture, and local color for anyone wanting a genuine taste of Hanoi’s culinary scene. With its high ratings and enthusiastic reviews, it’s clear this experience delivers more than just a meal—it’s a memorable journey into Hanoi’s heart.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans? No, the tour includes dishes with pork, shrimp, and chicken, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

What do I need to bring? Comfortable shoes are recommended as the tour involves walking around the Old Quarter.

Does the tour include transportation? No, it’s a walking tour starting at a designated meeting point, which may vary based on your chosen option.

Can I customize the tour’s ending? Yes, you can choose to end the tour independently, enjoy dessert and egg coffee, or visit Train Street to see the train pass by.

What is included in the price? The guide, tastings of dried pho, banh xeo, bun cha, and a bottle of water are included. Extras like desserts or train street visits are optional.

How long does the tour last? While not specified explicitly, it features multiple stops and walking through the Old Quarter, typically lasting a few hours.

Is the tour suitable for children? Many reviews include families with children, especially those who enjoy trying new foods and exploring vibrant streets.

Can I book the tour in advance? Yes, booking is available with a “reserve and pay later” option, allowing flexibility.

What if I need to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a low-risk booking.

This Hanoi food tour, with its focus on Michelin-recommended dishes and lively street scenes, offers a well-rounded, flavorful journey into Vietnam’s capital. It’s perfect for travelers eager to combine eating with cultural discovery, all at a budget-friendly price.

You can check availability for your dates here: